Autumn has finally arrived, which means it’s quince season once again! I’ve been busy making Persian quince stew, jam, and membrillo. Every year, I look forward to fall and its seasonal produce, from a fantastic variety of squashes—especially sweet, tender butternut squash—to fruits like persimmons, pomegranates, and quince. Quince is an ancient fruit originating in…
Tag: beef
Ghapeli Polo – Rice with beef and garbanzo beans
This dish traces its roots to the province of Kermanshah, located in western Iran. At its core, it is a simple one-pot meal that begins with the slow cooking of beef and garbanzo beans. Along the way, onions and simple spices are added to deepen the flavor and complexity. Once the beef and beans are…
Khoresh Gol Kalam – Beef and cauliflower stew
Long before the humble cauliflower became a trendy superfood, Iranians were cooking it into stews (Khoresh), egg-based dishes (Kuku), and even pickles (Torshi). This is Khoresh Gol Kalam, a beef and cauliflower stew. Like many Iranian stews, this dish is especially simple, with only a few ingredients. Nevertheless, certain culinary techniques bring out a spectacularly…
Kufteh – Meatballs with herbs and pistachios and pomegranate glaze
This is Kufteh, Persian pomegranate and pistachio meatballs, a standout in Iran’s long tradition of meatball dishes. What makes it special is the burst of flavors from fresh herbs, the juicy pop of pomegranate arils, and the satisfying crunch of Iran’s iconic emerald-green pistachios. I see this dish as one of those wonderfully satisfying weeknight…
Kabob Tabei – Pan-fried kebabs
However you spell or pronounce them, Kebabs, Kebobs, or Kababs are meat dishes that take pride of place alongside other meat-centered dishes in Persian cuisine. They are typically small pieces of seasoned whole or ground beef, lamb, chicken, or seafood that are generally skewered and grilled. What makes Kebabs so tasty is the addition of…
Abgoosht – Meat and potato stew with beans
Abgoosht is the original Persian rustic “one pot meal” that dates back to centuries ago when simple ingredients were gathered and thrown in a pot to accompany tougher cuts of meat that needed to cook for a long time. Nowadays, with easy access to a wide range of ingredients, this once modest dish has become…
Adas Polo – Turmeric rice with lentils
So much of Adas Polo, turmeric rice with lentils feels familiar and comforting—not only to Iranians but to people in many cultures around the world. Adas Polo definitely makes it onto most Persians’ top 10 list of favorite rice dishes, albeit under different regional names and slightly varied cooking methods. I love Adas Polo not…
Makaroni – Pasta with tomato and meat sauce
What does a pasta dish look like after a Persian makeover? How do you turn a classic Italian ingredient into Persian comfort food? This is Makaroni, the Persian pasta! First, you boil the pasta until it’s al dente, then layer it in a pot with a tomato-meat sauce infused with Persian spices. Before cooking, the…
Khoresh Bamieh – Okra and beef stew
Khoresh Bamieh comes from the Khuzestan province in southern Iran, where it is traditionally made with tangy tamarind sauce. In other parts of Iran, however, tomato sauce is often used as a more common substitute. Okra, or bamieh in Persian, has a reputation for dividing opinions. Its flavor is often compared to eggplant, and it…